The Australian native then took a page from the gay coming-of-age film "Love, Simon" quoting the film, writing: "But here's the thing. I'm me. I'm just like you. I have a big heart and I want to be loved and accepted. I may be on TV from time to time, but at the end of the day I'm just an average guy who wants want we all want. To be accepted and loved by our friends and family and to be encouraged by our peers."

Schmid goes on to say that he believes his status will cause some viewers to head to a different network but that he felt motivated to come out to let other HIV-positive people know they matter.

"For anyone who has ever doubted themselves because of those scary three letters and one symbol, let me tell you this, you are somebody who matters," he writes.